SANEF chair Makhudu Sefara steps aside

Sunday Times Editor Makhudu Sefara has now stepped aside as chair of the South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) following allegations of impropriety.

The claims relate to a R1.5 million grant from the National Lotteries Commission meant for a media project in 2018.

Instead, the SIU said that half a million was pocketed by a company linked to Sefara, while a further R900,000 was allegedly misappropriated by to Black Danagaree, owned by Daniel Malatji.

SANEF's management committee met urgently on Tuesday to consider a Special Investigating Unit (SIU) report implicating Sefara.

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Sefara has agreed to step aside while he responds to the allegations.

The move comes shortly after Arena Holdings, owner of the Sunday Times, placed him on special leave.

Sefara denies the claims, saying allegations that funds were diverted for personal gain are false and damaging and an attempt to generate publicity using his name.

In a statement, he said that Daniel Makwela asked him to help organise a community media training workshop in 2018 at the Birchwood Hotel.

He’s shown evidence, including receipts, to refute the claims.

Sefara added that his company, Unscripted Communication, operated independently.

Meanwhile, both Arena Holdings and SANEF have launched internal investigations.